This article is part of ScreenRant’s Exclusive 2025 Movie Preview. Stay tuned for the complete feature later this week!
The upcoming film Karate Kid: Legends features an exciting reunion of two significant figures from the franchise. In this 2025 sequel, Mr. Han, portrayed by Jackie Chan, teams up with the cherished original character Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio. Mr. Han seeks LaRusso’s expertise to train his protégé, Li Fong, played by Ben Wang. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle known for I Am Not Okay With This, the film also stars notable actors including Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s Creek), Sadie Stanley (The Goldbergs), Aramis Knight (Ms. Marvel), Qyatt Oleff (It), and Ming-Na Wen (Mulan, The Book of Boba Fett).
In an exclusive sneak peek, ScreenRant presents a first-look image from Karate Kid: Legends. The image showcases a sparring session between Daniel LaRusso and Li Fong, with Mr. Han observing in the background. This rooftop training scene, set against a chilly urban landscape, sees all three characters dressed in sweatshirts and jackets. Check out the full-size image below:
Karate Kid: Legends Marks a Milestone Crossover
The Core Cast Represents a Historic First for the Franchise
This exclusive image not only provides a glimpse into Li Fong’s training journey but also underscores the significance of Karate Kid: Legends as a groundbreaking event. Unlike previous entries, this film masterfully combines legacy characters with new narratives. While the Netflix series Cobra Kai has reunited many beloved actors from the original films, this current storyline introduces a unique dynamic by incorporating Mr. Han from the 2010 reboot.
Characters from the original Karate Kid series have made notable returns in Cobra Kai, including John Kreese (Martin Kove), Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue), Chozen Toguchi (Yuji Okumoto), and Kumiko (Tamlyn Tomita). However, Legends distinguishes itself by integrating the 2010 reboot’s characters into the franchise timeline. The reboot focused on Mr. Han training Dre Parker, a role filled by Jaden Smith, and despite its commercial success—grossing $359.1 million against a budget of $40 million and achieving a 67% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes—it never saw a sequel. This makes Legends not only Jackie Chan’s inaugural return to the series but also a significant merging of two separate timelines into a cohesive narrative.
Karate Kid: Legends Paves the Way for the Franchise’s Future
Future Sequels Could Introduce More Notable Characters
While Karate Kid: Legends currently does not feature additional returning characters from Cobra Kai, the potential for a sequel exists should this film prove successful. A follow-up could embrace more legacy characters, enabling the franchise to create a comprehensive universe, effectively closing the gap between prior iterations and modern developments. Given the nostalgia and deep-rooted connections fans have towards these characters, it’s likely this film could resonate strongly with audiences. Notably, Cobra Kai is set to conclude on February 13, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise and paving the way for a fresh narrative that intertwines past and present in a meaningful way.
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